Screening for pain-persistence and pain-avoidance patterns in fibromyalgia
S van Koulil1, F W Kraaimaat, W van Lankveld
1Department of Medical Psychology, Nijmegen Medical Center, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. s.vankoulil@mps.umcn.nl
International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
|August 13, 2008
Summary
A new screening tool effectively identifies pain-avoidance versus pain-persistence patterns in fibromyalgia (FM) patients. This distinction aids in tailoring treatments for improved outcomes in diverse FM populations.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Fibromyalgia Research
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Fibromyalgia (FM) patient outcomes vary due to differences in pain-related cognitive-behavioral mechanisms.
- Pain-avoidance and pain-persistence patterns are key factors contributing to this heterogeneity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate a screening instrument for differentiating pain-persistence from pain-avoidance patterns in FM patients.
- To assess the utility of a screening tool in a heterogeneous FM population.
Main Methods:
- A self-reported screening instrument was employed to categorize FM patients into pain-avoidance and pain-persistence groups.
- The identified groups were compared based on cognitive-behavioral factors, physical fitness, and therapist assessments.
Main Results:
- The screening instrument demonstrated validity in distinguishing between pain-avoidance and pain-persistence patterns.
- Validity was confirmed through comparisons with established questionnaires, physical fitness tests, and blinded therapist judgments.
Conclusions:
- A concise self-report screening tool can effectively differentiate pain-avoidance and pain-persistence patterns in FM patients.
- This tool offers potential for personalized treatment strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy in fibromyalgia.
